Janice Suarez
Smyrna,GA
Summary
Logistics & Operations Management Profile Category Manager develops and executes (add category spend) spend category strategy as part of company sourcing plan. Develops and executes category and commodity strategies, negotiates and awards supplier contracts and conducts commodity and supplier business reviews. Improves company profitability, asset management performance and supports improved customer delivery through thoughtful supply base network design.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Category Manager
Novelis
07.2021 - Current
- Improved margin performance by negotiating favorable supplier contracts and optimizing cost structures.
- Enhanced category performance by analyzing sales data and implementing strategic merchandising plans.
- Implemented pricing strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining competitiveness in the marketplace.
- Spearheaded the development of private label products, resulting in a differentiated product assortment with higher margins.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including finance, supply chain, and marketing to support the achievement of overall company objectives.
- Developed strong supplier relationships through effective communication and negotiation practices, resulting in improved product quality.
- Conducted thorough market research, identifying new opportunities for expanding product offerings.
- Partnered with buyers to develop category-appropriate order frequency for spend under management.
Import Transportation Specialist
Arauco-North America
01.2018 - Current
- Responsible for the day-to-day logistics management of imported products to be distributed in the North America markets working together with the biggest retailers in building and construction material products globally
- Researching, collecting data and designing new reports to improve the supply chain and transportation processes
- Capture leadership and frontline feedback to influence report evolution to help the business drive improved performance to Supply Chain (Inventory Management, Warehouses, Cross Docks, and Transportation)
- Identify gaps in customer service and any other area that needs improvement such as, product quality control, shipping and delivery target times and minimizing operational cost
- Work with 3PL companies using global transportation Management System databases daily
- Participate in the North America monthly Transportation team meeting and presentation to discuss current market updates, identify trends and innovations to improve transportation costs, inventory control, transit time improvement, carrier performance and KPI opportunities
- Involved in rate/quote negotiations, RFI’s, minimizing detention accessorial charges and shipping management to meet expectations and performance requirements.
Senior Customer Service & Logistics
Synthomer USA, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Directed the logistical operations of $3M+ monthly sales of chemical materials across the global market
- Conducted detailed analysis of operational processes, identified improvement opportunities, and developed comprehensive solutions ensuring timely execution of purchase orders and deliveries
- Facilitated inter-organizational communications and actions regarding client specifications, vendor and customs requirements, shipment tracking, and product claims
- Developed and maintained strong business relationships, provided exceptional customer service, and supported global partnerships
- Proactively acquired industry knowledge, collaborated with overseas colleagues, and optimized shipping operations through utilization of SAP processes, tracking, and forecasts
- Collaborated with Supply Chain Lead in the management of third-party logistical relationships to maximize efficiencies and maintain high customer satisfaction ratings
- Implemented strategic shipment planning procedures, decreased transit times and costs, and increased KPIs.
International Logistics Coordinator – Global Exports & North America Market
The Monarch Beverage Company
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Principal strategist of domestic and international logistical operations including production, inventory, and merchandise planning of carbonated beverages and energy drinks
- Organized cross-functional teams for development of products, processes, and solutions and supported change initiatives and improvements
- Coordinated with marketing, manufacturing, and purchasing departments to create timely, cost-effective export, and import supply chains
- Strictly adhered to company, customs, trade, and government regulations to mitigate risks and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of high-value and high-volume international merchandise exports
- Managed partner relationships, addressed service issues, and negotiated with corporate and third-party logistic providers to contract lower rates reducing costs by 50% with improved tracking and delivery timeframes
- Conducted cross-team collaboration with research and development to perform quality testing of new products prior to introduction to the Americas, European, and Asian markets.
Logistics Coordinator – Latin America/Mexico Exports
Grove Services LLC
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Directed import/export operations of international protein commodities supplier in compliance with company policy and government regulations
- Organized and coordinated with the executive sales team and buyers on product demand and inventory available
- Provided expertise and project oversight and ensured on-time delivery of shipments
- Provided transport documentation (BOL, FSIS, USDA, letters of credit)
- Consulted with clients on shipment needs and services and facilitated internal communications to ensure fulfillment of customer specifications
- Identified supply chain operational obstacles and optimized transport and shipment services through collaborative solutions and improvement developments with senior leadership.
Education
Master of Business Administration- Major in Project Management -
Louisiana State University
Shreveport, LA05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Management/Operations
University of Puerto Rico
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico05.2008
Skills
- Supply Chain Management
- Strategic Planning & Analysis
- Process Improvements & KPI’s
- Training & Team Leadership
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Data-driven decision-making
- Supplier Contracts
- Strategic Sourcing
- Performance Metrics
Certification
Certificate of Food Safety and Quality Control
Certified Lean Practitioner
Affiliations
- certified lean practitioner
- Women make america
- Women in Manufacturing
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Associate Category Manager
Novelis
07.2021 - Current
Import Transportation Specialist
Arauco-North America
01.2018 - Current
Senior Customer Service & Logistics
Synthomer USA, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2018
International Logistics Coordinator – Global Exports & North America Market
The Monarch Beverage Company
01.2015 - 01.2017
Logistics Coordinator – Latin America/Mexico Exports
Grove Services LLC
01.2013 - 01.2015
Master of Business Administration- Major in Project Management -
Louisiana State University
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Management/Operations
University of Puerto Rico